Kanchnar (Orchid Tree)

Kachnar is a deciduous tree of small to medium sized height up to 15mt with spreading crown and a short bole. Twigs of the tree are slender, light green, angled, hairy and brownish grey in color. The outer bark is scaly, smooth to slightly fissured and brownish grey in color and the inner bark is pinkish in color, fibrous and bitter. Leaves of the tree are bi-lobed with minute stipules, ovate to circular, 10-13 nerved and upper surface of leaves are glabrous. Leaves of the plant are just like Camel's hoof print. Flowers are reminiscent of showy orchids and have five slightly overlapped and irregular petals of yellow and pinkish purple color. The cluster of flowers is unbranched at the end of twigs. Scented flowers show its first appearance in late winters when the tree is bare of leaves. Fruit is dehiscent pod; strap- shaped contains various flat seeds and about 15- 30cm long.